I'm Jodie, in Australia, and I've been reading the Mothering forums for years but rarely post. I used to come to this forum a couple of years ago - there is a lot more activity now! I have a blog, I'm on Facebook and Twitter (still figuring it out though) and I see there is now a lot more 'net based discussion here than there was when I was here last. Hope all the links are right! I have much to learn.

I have a few articles published at an online parenting site and two years ago I started writing a memoir about having four babies and becoming an activist in childbirth reform. The story unfolds with much interruption.

Other stuff about me: My beloved is a Linux geek and our three babies were born in our local birth centre, of which I became an advocate. Fourth bub was born at home in the US (MA to be precise). They've all grown and are now 3, 5, 7 & 9 years old and we are back in Oz, living on a farmlet on the outskirts of a city and living as extended family with my husband's brother and their aged mother (my MIL!) for whom we all assist as carers. Phew! Nice to meet you all.

Hi ~ I've removed a couple of posts for edit requests. They will be back ASAP.

FYI: Other threads are returning - they are being reviewed by admin at the moment. I'm also pulling a lot of the info and copying it into an FAQ for this forum that will be set up like the FAQ I have in the Q&S forum. I thought I left a note about that, but I'm not seeing it. Sorry about that!!

Thanks for your patience!!

Wife of 1. Mom of 3. Conquering disability challenges, one achievement at a time.